Skip the Cabo Crowds—Head to This Tranquil Baja Beach Town Instead

The weather in Cabo San Lucas is just about perfect from early December through April, with temperatures typically around the upper 70s/lower 80s, but winter/early spring is also the high season. That means beaches like Medano will be jam-packed, and with massive cruise ships often pulling into port, their hundreds or even thousands of passengers add to the daytime crowds.

If you want to enjoy a beautiful Baja beach with a more tranquil atmosphere, skip Cabo and head to Todos Santos instead. Only about 50 miles north, this charming colonial town boasts miles and miles of often empty, soft, golden sands. 

There are no facilities at the beach other than The Green Room bar and restaurant, located right on the sand at the far north end along the stretch known as La Pastora. It’s a great place to enjoy a cocktail and upscale, authentic Mexican food like the Salmon La Portuna (seared salmon pieces in a teriyaki sauce and nuts with miso dehydrated nori, truffle aioli, and microgreens).

Most visitors bring beach blankets or towels and other supplies such as umbrellas, water, and food for a picnic. The ocean is too powerful here for swimming, but experienced boogie boarders and surfers might want to hit the waves. You might simply relax and enjoy the view, but with the sand stretching for miles, it’s also ideal for a peaceful stroll. From December through March, keep watch for the many whales that pass by. Gray whales come very close to shore, and humpback whales can often be seen breaching in the distance. 

Baby sea turtle releases often take place during this time, about an hour before sunset. Even when the adorable new babies aren’t making their way down to the surf, you’ll want to stick around until dusk. This is one of the best beaches for watching a spectacular sunset.

Todos Santos is not only a beach town, it’s a Pueblo Mágico, or “Magic Town”, designated as such for its importance as a cultural landmark. Wandering the downtown area is always enjoyable, with numerous photo ops like Hotel California (no, it’s not the iconic hotel featured in the famous Eagles’ song, although many people still believe the rumor).

As a focal point for art in the region, there are many colorful street murals, galleries, and studios tucked between shops selling various items like pottery, silver jewelry, clothing, and more. Todos Santos is also a foodie haven with nearly endless dining options, from casual food stands to world-class restaurants, often emphasizing fresh fish and seafood.

The most convenient way to reach Todos Santos from Cabo is to rent a car. It’s an easy, approximately one-hour drive, much of which showcases breathtaking ocean views. If you don’t want to drive, Eco Baja Tours offers a shuttle service, and bus service is available via Autobuses Aguila, along with options like Uber. Once there, you’ll find multiple beach access points from Punta Lobos at the south end to Playa La Pastora at the north end.